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cJ c WV ELLIS, A* ML 




ST. LOUIS: 

CHAS. E. WARE & CO., PRINTERS. 

1876. 




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THE 



LIFE MISSION 



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Xw^E L L I 



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READ AT THE TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL COMMENCEMENT OF 
CHRISTIAN COLLEGE, COLUMBIA, MO. 




ST. LOUIS: 

CHAS. E. WARE & CO., PRINTERS AND STATIONERS. 

lS 7 6. 






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Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S76, 

By J. W. ELLIS, 
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



Chas. E. Ware & Co., Printers, 
Northeast Corner Fifth and Chestnut Streets, St. Louis. 



DEDICATION. 

As a feeble expression of his a-pfcre elation of their intel- 
lectual culture and taste, these lines are respect- 
fully dedicated to The Young Ladies 
of Christian College, for whose 
pleasure and entertainment 
they were zuritten by 
The Author. 



PROEM. 

The inspiration of this poem is drawn from that beau- 
tiful Shawnee legend, "The Celestial Sisters." The entire 
tradition is not attempted here ; indeed, there is some doubt 
if it is to be recognized at all ; but as a rising mist may 
direct the eye above the clouds — above itself, to contem- 
plate the sky ; it has done good service — it has pointed 
where to look. 



THE LIFE MISSION. 



Grant, Warder of the upper skies. 

My muse, aspiring, safe may rise 

From this dull earth and all its blight 

To yon bright plain, where comes nor night, 

Nor warring hosts, nor treacherous foe, 

Nor dark, ill-omened rivers flow ; 

Where cheating visions never come 

To mar a pure, ethereal home. 

Plain of the stars ! bright home of life ! 
Away from earth, away from strife ! 
Nor mortal's pain nor mortal's care 
Infects the clear elysium there. 
Thy sparkling floor, so richly made, 
With glowing, clustering stars inlaid, 
That who thy glories shall behold 
Must know thy beauty ne'er was told. 
Above thy face the cloudless sky 
Of thy unbounded purity 
Spreads, bending with a faultless line 
Of beauty and of grace divine. 



THE LIFE MISSION. 

Plain of the stars ! where yet resound 
In sweetest cadence, swelling round 
Those choral symphonies, whose birth 
Long antedates the globe of earth ! 
Sweet echoes of that grand refrain, 
Once heard when angels joined the strain, 
Which first the stars sang, praising God, 
Made vocal this divine abode. 
Plain of the stars ! bright home of life ! 
Free of the ills on earth so rife ; 
Here may the soul find endless day, 
And, drinking of life's fountain, may 
In this bright home be ever blest, 
Nor passion's storms disturb its rest ; 
And reaching forward to perfection, 
With wondrous powers at its election, 
May rise in love till it may sit 
Down close akin to the Infinite. 

This plain, at times like burnished gold, 
At times like silver map unrolled, 
Thick set with starry diadems, 
At all times glowing with its gems, 
And yet so soft, so smooth and sweet, 
You'd press it e'en with naked feet — 
Was never tame, monotonous, 
In joys, delights, so marvelous. 
Beyond this beauteous plain, arose 
Bright waving forests, which enclose 
Oft-time the most enchanted lakes, 



THE LIFE MISSION. 

About whose waters all partakes 
Of fascination, weird and strange ; 
And still beyond, a mountain range, 
Retreating in the distance far 
With every peak set with a star, 
That sheds its light and silver sheen 
O'er sides and vales of waving green — 
How plentiful, and what the game, 
It were an endless task to name. 

Whose'er the imagination be, 
And borne on wings however free, 
Will find that clime supremely fair, 
With which there's nothing can compare. 
The mind's ideal will be reflected, 
And all that is with it connected, 
With all the great wants of the soul 
Will there be found, for these control 
The very aspirations given, 
To lead the heart to seek a heaven. 
No matter how uncouth the race, 
Yet will it have some perfect place, 
As it perfection understands, 
Where rivers flow o'er golden sands, 
Where peace forever, white- winged dove, 
Flies with the olive branch and love. 

As floats an island in the tide, 
Surrounded by such borders wide, 
This starry plain swims in the blue 



10 THE LIFE MISSION. 

Of the Infinite, as if it drew 
Its wondrous life from such a store. 
A blooming spring forevermore 
Those borders, far extending, bless ; 
While over it pure happiness 
Forever smiles, imparting cheer 
And life immortal held so dear. 

Upon this star-gemmed floor 's imposed 
A noiseless ocean, undisclosed 
To common sight, whose currents run 
Like scattered flood-light from the sun — 
Nor so discernible — whose tide 
Can never fail, can ne'er subside. 
This ocean is of life the source — 
Is life itself, and from which course 
The vivifying streams that give 
All hope and life to all that live. 
This ocean has no weight to press 
On that fair plain — is fathomless — 
And no obstruction, shore to shore, 
To those who walk that studded floor, 
It e'er presents. 

Its flowing tide 
Spreads equally on every side, 
And flowing over onward moves 
O'er lakes and mountains, plains and groves, 
Within whose depths the forests green, 
The mountain peaks and plains serene, 



THE LIFE MISSION. 11 

That at their base reposing lie, 
Breathe life and immortality. 
No dead leaves fall, for none are dead ; 
No trees grow old ; and it is said 
The very game that's shadowed there, 
For which the spirit hunters care, 
May serve their aim, but die no more 
On that exhaustless life-wrought shore. 

Invisibly, the floods descend 
From Life's great reservoir and wend 
Their silent way adown the sky, 
, Or else the very earth would die ; 
And, flowing over every clime, 
All generations and all time, 
Would, but for parts of grosser worth 
Which so corrupt that primal birth, 
Bestow eternal life on earth ; 
But as it is, here's ever strife 
Betwixt the foe and friend of life ; 
And so the heart is led to know 
These waters must somewhere o'erliow — 
Somewhere must be eternal day, 
Where life is all in all for aye. 

The waters flowing from that fount 
Must be unseen, for senses blunt 
By weak mortality and sin 
Cannot discern them. Thus shut in, 
Our rising souls must seek to explore 



12 THE LTFE MISSION. 

Life's fountain on some other shore. 
We cannot know just how they come — 
Those waters from that fountain home ; 
They may, as from the northern chain 
Of lakes, by subterranean drain, 
Flow out as those great waters flow, 
Replenishing a world below. 

'Tis never noon, or morn, or night 

On that star-plain : continuous light 

Forever streams its constant flood. 

The Father of all life and good 

Has so decreed it with a vow, 

And made it one eternal Now. 

But how were this of life the realm, 

Did leaden silence overwhelm 

And shadow it with her dull wings ? 

Then, like a harp with well tuned strings, 

O'er which no fingers ever sweep — 

On which the softest zephyrs sleep, 

Without vibration to molest 

The latent harmony at rest ; 

Observing that, such aching void — 

With all its beauties thus alloyed— 

The heart could but observe and sigh, 

And restless, wish the want supply ; 

As one must this, impatient see, 

And wondering if its harmony 

Can be aroused, — restrained by fear, — 

Longs but a single note to hear. 



THE LIFE MISSION. 13 

But 'tis not so. The very streams 
Of life-waves, meeting with the beams 
Of light resplendent, there unite 
And yield sweet strains of rare delight. 
Now, floating as if borne from far, 
Or, wafted from some distant star, 
Come softened melodies of song, 
Which falling, rising, now prolong 
The heart's desire to drink still more, 
•And catch each word, though heard before. 

Song. — (Chorus of voices.) 

O Father of Life ! How the beams 
Of life and of light ever streams 
On our hearts, reflecting the gleams 

That come from Thy wondrous pavilion • 
Like whisperings of angels they fall 
So sweetly, they never can pall, 
And cast they a hue over all 

From golden to softest vermilion ! 

The joys they give, what a treasure ! 
Here, tripping, we dance to the measure 
Of life-waves, that beat in their pleasure, 

Till resonant plain and the mountain. 
No wonder we live here forever, 
Where smiles of the Father are never 
Withdrawn. O bountiful Giver, 

Of such inexhaustible fountain ! 



14 THE LIFE MISSION. 

But list to the echo afar, 

Of rich melody, star unto star 

Is repeating, and never a jar 

Interrupts the soft cadences falling ; 
Like voices of angels to praise 
Thee, Father of life, and always 
These we would reflect in our lays, 

In answering strains to them calling. 

Then vocal be mountain and plain ! 
Our own merry hearts in the strain 
Shall join, and the joyous refrain 
Shall be wafted o'er mountain and main 

In continuous reverberation ; 
For Thou art the beginning and end, 
In whom all life and love blend, 
Which, given so freely, commend 
Every heart in cheerfulness bend 

To Thee, and award exaltation. 

A magic circle in the plain, 

From which we've heard the floating strain, 

Seems pressed down in the golden floor, 

From which the floods of light up-pour, 

Resplendent more than Fancj^'s dream. 

'Twould seem as if continuous stream 

Of well-timed feet, for cycles past, 

Had by continual pressing cast 

This impressed circle in the gold ; 

For round and round the wondrous mold, 



THE LIFE MISSION. 15 

Emblazoned round with jeweled sides, 
O'er which life streams with buoyant tides, 
A wondrous band with flying feet, 
Chase one another, while they beat 
On silvery balls, and music sweet 
Flows through the perforations made, 
Far sweeter than might be essayed 
By mortal, or by poet's fire ; 
On harp or on yFolian lyre. 
Now ever and anon they stand 
As waiting signal or command, — 
Reverse their course, exchanging place, — 
The hindmost then, now leads the chase, 
And now, uniting in some strain, 
Send choral echoes 'cross the plain. 
Sometimes they sat upon the marge, 
Like graces of the ring in charge, 
And answering in alternate lay, 
Sang joyously the time away : 

Through groves would you wander, 
Like shaded ones yonder, 
To sit, dream, or ponder 

Of moments of bliss? 
Is there not a seeming 
Of joy when thus dreaming, 
Where light is less beaming, 

That's found not in this? 

When thus sang one, who loved to rove 



1G THE LIFE MISSION. 

And seek the beauties of the grove, 
Or else recline beneath its shade, 
Or hasten through the opening glade — 
When from the ring's opposing side, 
One questioned thus, one thus replied : 

Oh yes ; 't were delighting, 
Where nothing is blighting — 
Where nothing needs righting, 

To sing of such bliss ! 
But here, where the flowing 
Of life-beams bestowing 
All, all that's worth knowing, 

Much better is this ! 

Continue all the wakened lay, 

And sing as inclination may, 

Be uppermost through choice or play. 

First Voice. 

Oh, give me the grove, 
Where the vines ever move 
In the zephyrs they love — 
What moments of bliss ! 

Second Voice. 

Oh, give me this ring, 
Where the joys of life bring 
Sweet delights, while we sing — 
What pleasure is this ! 



THE LIFE MISSION. 17 

Third Voice. 

To me, give the floor 

Of this burnished plain o'er 

To fly evermore — 

What moments of bliss ! 

Fourth Voice. 

For me, let my wings 
Voice, as musical strings, 
The song that life sings, — 
What pleasure were this ! 

Fifth Voice. 

For me, let my heart 
Forever share part 
Of emotions which start 
From moments of bliss. 

Sixth Voice. 

For me, I shall cherish 
No hopes that shall perish, — 
Life ever shall flourish 
In pleasures like this. 

Seventh Voice. 

For me, let the flowing 
Of waves of life, going, 
Forever bestowing 

Such moments of bliss. 



18 THE LIFE MISSION. 

Eighth Voice. 

For me, let the swelling 
Of strains of love, telling 
The blessing of dwelling 
'Mid pleasures like this. 

Ninth Voice. 

For me, thus reclining 
On life, where's no pining y 
How was there divining, 
Such moments of bliss? 

Tenth Voice. 

For me, give the being 
That never needs freeing,. 
Blessed ever with seeing 
Such pleasure as this ! 

Eleven th Voice . 

For me, I would bear 
The life we have here, 
That others might share 
Such moments of bliss. 

Twelfth Vo ice . 

For me, I would dare, 
Should the Father declare, 
Go to earth — take it there, 
What pleasure were this I 



THE LIFE MISSION. ID 

And wafted o'er the distant plain, 
The mountain sides repeat the strain, 
The band all joined the glad refrain, 
And sang as single voice again : 

For us we would dare, 
Should the Father declare, 
Go to earth — take it there, 
What pleasure were this ! 

The strain was borne far o'er the tide, 

And angel voices, far and wide, 

Took up the soul-enrapturing song, 

Till it engaged the mighty throng 

Of all the countless hosts above, 

In wondrous symphony of love. 

Well pleased, the Father smiled to hear 

The song that greets his listening ear, 

And beckoning with uplifted hand, 

Deep silence reigned. The wondering band, 

Attentive all, He thus addressed: 

"Ye happy daughters, far more blessed 

Above all others, children mine, 

Whose very song is made divine 

By sacrifice that you must make, 

When, for a time you would forsake 

These happy plains, unknown to strife, 

That you may bear immortal life, 

To yonder darkling, sin-cursed sphere, — 

To give it smiles of love and cheer. 



20 THE LIFE MISSION. 

Such purpose and such high resolve 
Have long been mine to cause devolve 
On you the mission, long desired, 
Declared by you, by me inspired. 

4 'If one pulsation is more blest, 
Or made more holy than the rest, — 
If one emotion in the breast 
Is purer and appears to be 
More near the heart of Deity, 
'Tis that born of philanthropy. 
The heart, that shall resolve to go, 
And bear some soothing balm for woe,- 
Relieve the suffering and distressed, 
Shall be remembered 'mong the blest. 
The darkness that enwraps a world, 
May be dispelled ; and, pure as hurled, 
It may by heaven's beams be bright, 
Imparting joy and sweet delight 
To every soul that would not die, 
Desiring immortality. 

"Life shall be offered — shall be free ; 
But not imposed, and therefore, he, 
Who shall elect this grace to have, 
Shall have the power himself to save ; 
But who rejects it, he shall die 
To God and love eternally ! 
Thus, man shall have his destiny 
Based on his own free agency. 



THE LIFE MISSION. 21 

Since mine it is this life to give, 
Should he not hasten to receive ? — 
Comply with all of him required, 
And prove some worth the gift desired.^" 

"O Father of all Mercy !" cried 

The listening host, " is man so dear, 

Of whom thou speak' st on yonder sphere, 

That thou hast nothing him denied ; 

That he, exalted and forgiven 

May claim an entrance into heaven ?" 

" Yea, even so ; for scarce beneath 
Your own creation did I breathe 
The breath of life into his soul, 
And left within his own control 
Its purity. 

In evil hour, 
He so abused the granted power, 
That, in transgression, he bequeathed 
The wound which he himself received 
To all his race. Death passed on all, 
And spreading wide his darkened pall, 
H.is shadowed e'en the spark divine, 
Which shone erst almost bright as thine ; 
But he so wandered, groped his way 
From life immortal, that some ray 
Proceeding from the great white throne 
On which I sit — such ray alone 
Can lead him back, permit he may 



22 THE LIFE MISSION. 

Return to everlasting day. 

This light have you assumed to bear 

To yon dark earth, if I declare?" 

Again, the chorus sang assent, 
Rejoicing with the glad intent 
To speed away, in instant flight, 
And penetrate the shades of night, 
Emerging in the world below, 
To banish all its pain and woe ; 
And thus repeating, thus they sang, 
And sweet again the pasan rang: 

" For us we would dare, 
Should the Father declare, 
Go to earth — take it there. 
What pleasure were this ! " 

The Father said, "Yet know before 

Ye go, this one condition more: 

With your divinity shall be 

United man's humanity ; 

That thus this light through it shall shine, 

Reflect on him some ray divine, 

Which shall influence and control 

And purify his willing soul. 

Else, might your plane appear too high 

His soul-wants ever to supply ; 

And, so, the offered gift refuse, 

Which thus presented he may choose." 



THE LIFE MISSION. 23 

The chorus band acceptance made 
Of all condition on them laid, 
And haste rejoicing to prepare, 
Directed by the Father's care, 
To make the mission from the skies, 
Involving worlds and destinies. 

Then from the ring, a band of gold, 
Like holy glowing aureole, 
Rose, unsupported, overhead ; 
Then smaller grew, as 'twere a thread, 
High over all, expanding wide ; 
Then its dimensions coincide 
With that impressed upon the plain, 
Where danced the joyous minstrel train. 
The filmy line marked in the blue, 
Stood still awhile, then nearer drew 
The golden impress on the floor, 
And sinking, sinking, sinking more, 
•Grew luminous as 'twas before. 
The minstrels to the center hurried, 
As doves, whom some alarm has flurried, 
When the indentation on the plain 
Received the glowing band again. 
Awhile it glowed, as if it tested 
The very imprint where it rested, 
If by superior light it shone — 
That steady, glowing, radiant zone- 
But now its glory seemed to fade 
Until a single thread, and laid 



24 THE LIFE MISSION. 

Upon the glowing stars, when through 
The pavement sank, and from the view 
Was lost ! 

Could eye have followed then 
Its spirit-flight, the moment when 
It had emerged from life and light, — 
It had been seen again grow bright, 
And so continue, till dense air, 
That hangs about the earthly sphere, 
So heavily, by pressure acted, 
Upon its radiance, which contracted — 
Until by mortal eyes unseen, 
It sank to earth, pressed in the green ; 
And flowers on that prairie wide 
Bloom fresh as blown of magic pride ; 
More musical the streamlets flow, 
And everywhere a fresher glow 
Upon the landscape wide is seen, 
Which clothes itself with deeper green ; 
And over all, the atmosphere 
Is more inspiring everywhere ! 

The ring was lost ; — and every eye 
But peered in vain, and wondered why 
'Twas of such conformation made, 
Or what mysterious spell were laid 
Upon its beauty — what was meant. 
If any signified intent. 
" As herald it has gone before 



THE LIKE MISSION. 25- 

And fallen on the other shore, 

To make it brighter when you come, 

And make it more akin to home," 

The Father said ; "but you must go 

Near by the enchanted lakes, where grow 

White withes, most pliable and rare, — 

Them gather with exceeding care, 

Which by those waters close you '11 find ; 

And having brought them here, entwine, 

And shape them with a skill divine, 

Which I shall grant ; and you shall weave 

Them round and round, and you shall wreathe 

Between them thread-light of some star, 

And fashion all into a car 

Of compass large and strong to bear 

You safely from this realm, all fair, 

To yonder world, for which we yearn, 

And so insure your safe return." 

Now where the spirit osiers grow, 

Beside the enchanted lakes, they go 

On hastening step with merry song, 

Nor scarce they touch, as speed along, 

The studded floor. And now they ply 

The utmost tact and skill, and try 

To find those osiers longest, best ; 

And other properties they test, 

As strength and flexibility. 

Indeed, 'twere wonderful to see 

How lithe and thread-like they should be ! 



26 THE LIFE MISSION. 

And when they'd gathered all desired, 
Sufficient for the car required, 
They sat upon the magic shore 
Of that strange sea, ne'er heard to roar ; 
Yet as its waves so oft appear, 
You'd even think that you might hear 
Them rush, as if by tempest lashed, 
Or in mad violence, seem dashed 
Against uprising, rocky isle ; 
Anon, its breast, like heaven's smile, 
Lies tranquil ; now with gentle rise 
Seems breathing air of Paradise. 
They watch the shadows come and fly, 
And transformations hurry by, 
Which would, to inexperienced eye, 
Prove meaningless ; but they descry 
Wise lessons and of import high. 

The Vision. 

Far in the distance ran the tide, 

Whose convex surface seemed to glide, 

Inclining down and down and down, 

Until by shadowy distance grown^ 

It seemed to nether world to bear, 

Its noiseless waters, dark and drear. 

Now they on misty shore discerned 

A warrior youth, who sought and yearned 

To launch upon this beating sea, 

And try its dark uncertainty. 



THE LIFE MISSION. 27 

Along the beach, at times, he wandered, 
Almost unconscious what he pondered ; 
Then would his anguished manner show, 
His heart had felt no common blow, 
When Chibiabos said : "My son" — 
For two were seen where late but one — 
" She whom you seek's already gone 
Beyond this silent, beating tide — 
Here she can never be your bride. " 
The warrior started at the word, 
Though he believed the message heard. 

Love reasons not, nor does it see 

What is impossibility ; — 

It reasons, and it loses sight 

Of premises, and hence, sees right, 

However false conclusion drawn 

Of what it sets its heart upon. 

" O Chibiabos, " wild he cried, 
" Allow I pass beyond this tide. 
Oh, would that I it were that died ! 
'Twas on our cherished bridal day, 
Some Manito took her away ! " 
Then Chibiabos said, " My son, 
Few are the spirits that have gone 
More beautiful than she you seek, 
Of virtues rare, so sweet and meek ; 
But know you not, nor flesh, nor blood 
Can pass this intervening flood? " 



2$ THE LIFE MISSION. 

At this, with anguished heart unstrung ; 
He rushed, as if he would have flung 
Himself into the heaving sea, — 
But was unable. Then 'twas he 
Fell down upon the dreary shore 
And piteous begged — thus did implore : 

"O Chibiabos, see ! I'm weak ; 
But you are mighty. I bespeak — 
Invoke your power. Oh, do not scorn 
Me at your feet, crushed and forlorn ! 
My heart is bleeding, and you know 
How faithful I have bent the bow. 
By our Great Spirit do I swear, 
Whate'er the task required, I'd dare. 
Do I deserve this wretchedness? 
See ! how you have the power to bless !' r 
" Arise, my son, it shall be so ; 
But if beyond this tide you go, 
Your body must be left behind, — 
Your spirit for awhile refined, 
Ere you can enter where the dead 
Have gone — awhile, I said, 
For soon you must return again, 
Or, else, you plead to go in vain ; 
And when from o'er the tide you come, 
Your bod}^ here again resume. " 

The mode or feasibility 
Of any task, whate'er it be, 



THE LIFE MISSION. 29 

Love seldom questions ; but the end, 

To which it strives, its powers bend, 

Disdaining what oppose between 

It and the only object seen ; 

Beyond uprising barrier flies 

Nor fears what ma}^ withhold the prize ; 

It sees the guerdon cherished,. won, 

Forgetful of all labor done, 

As sight instanter grasps the sun, 

Regardless of the distance run. 

With hope and love bright in his eyes, 
With quickened bound the warrior cries : 
" I will comply ! and should this sea, 
Which rolls between my lost and me, 
Beat with its fatal waters far 
And quench the light of farthest star, 
For her my soul would mock its breath, 
And venture through the shades of death ! " 

And now the Spirit seeks to dofl, 
And Chibiabos helps put off 
The body and all grosser weight, 
That might prove hindrance, or abate 
Its ready journey to life's realm — 
That might the spirit overwhelm 
In its strange passage as it flies. 
Now quivering on the shore he lies, 
And gazing o'er the tide, he sighs — 
*' ' Twill soon be o'er. " 

His eyelids fall. 



30 THE LIFE MISSION. 

And gasping, f reeds his spirit's thrall, 

Which, rising for a moment, lent 

Some vague wish for its tenement. 

And now upon the buoyant sea, 

It followed its convexity 

Up, round, and up, to where the green 

And beautiful and bright are seen 

Beyond the darkness, clear outlined. 

'Twas there a body, all refined, 

It seemed, awaited and prepared, 

Fit organism, such as shared 

By those who walk the golden floor, — 

Imperishable evermore. 

It was the warrior youth who stood, 
As seen beyond the dismal flood. 
Across this isle (for isle it seemed), 
Another sea's bright waters gleamed, 
To which he pressed. — Another sea ! 
He wanders in perplexity — 
He finds no one ; but is he foiled, 
And lost the hope for which he toiled ? 
It shall not be. He calls her name, — 
To hear faint echoes call the same ; 
And looking on the crystal tide 
Beholds, of sudden, near his side, 
Moored safe to beach, a white canoe 
Of pure white stone ! At once, he knew 
'Twas there for him. He grasps the oar 
And strikes the water to the shore ! 



THE LIFE MISSION. 31 

Athwart the sea it seemed to fly, — 
When lo ! another is close by 
With heavenly passenger to ply 
The magic oar. Oh joy ! 'tis she 
For whom he dared the unknown sea. 
Two stone canoes were soon aside ! 
And love united groom and bride — 
Their answering song flew o'er the tide, 
And timely fell the oars they plied. 

He. 

Long my burdened heart and weary 

Pined thine absence : but how sweet, 
After hours so dark and dreary, 
Thus my angel lost to meet ! 
All I languished, 
All I anguished, 
Oh, how bountiful repaid ! 

She. 

Long my lonely heart has waited, 

Waiting here by life's green shore, 

Till a breeze came to me freighted 

With the tidings, you were o'er. 
I fled to meet you, 
Embrace and greet you, — 

Lend a loving hand to aid. 

Both. 
With hearts full of glee, 



32 THE LIFE MISSION. 

On life's buoyant sea, 
How sweet 'tis to be ! 

Merrily, 

Cheerily, 
Onward we move ! 

On yonder bright shore, 
Shall we ever part more ? 
Earth's sighings then o'er? 

Nor borrow 

Of sorrow, — 
Forever to love. 

The shore was gained — the vision flew, 

The shadows lifted, and the blue, 

Expanding clear above the sea, 

Revealed the lake as wont to be. 

'Twas not as long as here related, 

The minstrels by these waters waited ; 

For all upon the mind had burst, 

Like graphic scenes, sometimes coerced, 

Upon the memory full and true, 

Of life long past in swift review 

By threatened death ; so came and flew 

Before their eyes the enraptured vision 

Of ihis enchanted lake-elysian ; 

And reading, wondered such could mean 

Interpretation of the scene. 

They quickly rose, nor longer tarried ; 
But hastening with the withes they carried, 



THE LIFE MISSION. 33 

They sought the starry floor again, — 

Bright center-piece of all the plain, 

In which the golden mold was laid, 

And where the car was ordered made. 

The Father said, "Here, frame the car 

Around, upon this blazing star ; 

And through the meshes weave a thread 

Of golden light that it shall shed, — 

'Twill give you power, descend or rise, 

To reach the earth, regain the skies." 

Obedient to the Father's will, 

At once, they hasten to fulfill 

The joyous task — the car prepare, 

Which soon such precious freight shall bear. 

About the blazing star they drew 

The withes around, and through and through. 

They passed them this way and the other, 

And tightly drew them close together. 

Each holds a withe by farthest end, 

And dance around the central star ; 

And fast the plaited osiers blend, 

And build the wondrous magic car. 

Now in and out, 

Around, about, 

Now they reverse 

Oft-time their course ; 
As, on the May-day we have seen, 
Around the May-pole on the green, 
Young maidens, in their merriest glee, 



34 THE LIFE MISSION. 

Would sing and dance so happily ; 
While blend the plaited colors fast, 
Till shortening ribbons brought at last 
The beauties to the ribboned pole — 
Who, turning soon unwound the whole. 
Thus flew the minstrels round the ring, 
Until the inwrought osiers bring 
Them close together in the center ; 
When other osiers they prepare, 
Which deftly, magically enter 

While they 're retreating from the star ! 

Now in and out, 

Around, about 

The wicker car, 

Around the star, 
Grew fast with wondrous threads of gold, 
Which woven meshes fast enfold ; 
Threads so mysteriously connected — 
Threads from the blazing star reflected — 
Threads which so purely shone, evincible 
That they were drawn of Life's great principle. 
Chryseis in her captive home 
Ne'er wove upon the Grecian loom 
A fabric wrought with greater care, 
For son of Atreus' race, though rare 
Her skill, exceeding all compare ; 
Nor Persian art could hope to try, 
In wonders of embroidery, 
Such woven threads successfully. 

Now in and out, 



THE LIFE MISSION. 35 

Around, about, 

They intertwine, 

And so combine 
With osier in alternate place, 
Imparting beauty, power and grace ; 
And now the withes weave up and down, 
Gyrating from the star to crown, 
And there, uniting round with all, 
Roll an inspired astragal, 
All set with blazing berries bright, 
That flashed in variegated light, — 

About, around, 

All up and down, 

Until the car, 

Built on the star, 
Stood all complete. 

Then voices rang 
In merry shouts and songs they sang — 
The labor o'er. The Father's hand 
Makes gesture which all understand ; 
For leaped they in the wondrous car, 
Now scarcely pressing on the star, 
Then rising from the studded floor, 
Twelve messengers of life it bore 
Up through the noiseless tide afar. 

Now close observance might discern 
The glowing mold appear to burn, 
O'er which the twelve so lately flew, 



36 THE LIFE MISSION. 

And where the aureole passed through. 

It then grew dimmer, and a line 

Appeared, and lay, as to define 

Some measured purpose had in view. 

The Father said — and though the word, 

So softly said you scarce had heard— 

"Swing down !" When instant swung the door, 

The part encompassed in the floor — 

There, opening down from life and day, 

The dark abyss unfathomed lay ; 

And now, descending from above, 

As gentle as the wafted dove 

From Ararat had ever flown, 

Life's nestling messengers came down, 

And through the opening made, denoted, 

The ladened vessel downward floated, 

As it had been a gossamer 

Just blown upon the autumn's air. 

And still 'twas wafted, down, and down, 

Till no returning echo sound 

Sends back the happy chorus-strain, 

In which all join again, again. 

Still on, the drifting car went on, 

Till in the distance, far beyond, 

The door up-swung, when all seemed dim, 

Till far ahead along the rim 

Of what appeared a lengthened coast, 

A faint light shone and then was lost, — 

Appeared again more bright, remained, 

And larger as the vessel gained 



THE LIFE MISSION. 37 

Upon the distance intervening — 
Twelve anxious, eager hearts were leaning, 
Out-looking, wondering at the sight, 
Till all appeared a world of light. 

It was the roseate East and portal 

That opens up to realms immortal ! 

In upward flight to shores of bliss, 

The spirit furls its wings in this 

And rests till ordered to resume 

Its journey and possess its home. 

They rested here. — 'Twas meet should be, 

For now they know humanity — 

However, closely may combine 

With it the eternal and Divine — 

Partakes of all beneath the skies, 

And weight of man's infirmities. 

And while they rested near the car, 

Uprose the glorious Morning Star — 

" How beautiful !" at once they cried— 

" And you !" she smiling, too, replied, 

" From bright Ponemah come afar? 

But whither borne in mystic car? 

You know this home is all my own, 

And pleased I greet you from my throne." 

" We journey to a world below, 

As messengers of life we go ; 

We would assuage its gloom and strife 

And bear to it eternal life." 



38 THE LIFE MISSION. 

"What glorious mission this of thine, 

Exceeding in importance mine ; 

For, I my daily circuit run, 

As harbinger before the sun, — 

As you are messengers of love, 

Sent by the Master from above, 

An earnest of the life to come, 

Prepayment on the eternal home ! 

Quite joyful it would be to me, 

If my companions you would be 

As far as you may journey west." 

The car uprose and came abreast, 

And much each wondering at the mystery, 

Inquired of each the other's history. 

To theirs the Morning Star replied : 

"Once on the earth, when none beside, 

Except an only much-loved brother, 

I lived alone. Nor e'en a mother 

Was there to give me her caress. 

My brother, infant then ; for less 

Than eighth returning spring had come, 

When oft and far he'd go from home ; 

And when o'er peaks the moon shone bright, 

He'd not return till morning light, 

But 'long the mountain tops, where creep 

No shadows, and where rocks are steep, 

He'd dance and sing the whole night through ; 

Nor with advancing years he grew 

In stature ; and yet he became 



THE LIFE MISSION. 39 

A hunter of no common fame ; 

A strange, mysterious power hud he : 

At will, invisible could be — 

From him, the Puck-wudg-ininee ; 

And 'long the streams, and on the hill, 

The little men do vanish still. 

When left alone, so much I'd brood 

O'er my unhappy solitude 

That not unheeded was my prayer, 

To be relieved of lonely care, 

That this the roseate East, my home, 

Has my own dwelling-place become." 

When thus had said the Morning Star, 

The wafted messengers afar, 

Soon bore down, down, through clouds and air — 

Sank down to earth, upon the green, 

Just where the aureole, unseen, 

Had fallen on the prairie there ! 

Thou freighted car of life, all hail ! 

Come welcome from the other shore ! 
What blessed hopes that never fail, 

Thou bring' st from that all-plenteous store ! 
What blessings for all climes and nations, 

To cheer man's heart, direct his love 
And give him noblest aspirations 

To open up a life above ! 
What wondrous love is here displayed, 

When all in hopeless gloom seemed hurled, 



40 THE LIFE MISSION. 

The Master of all life had made 
Such rich provision for the world ! 

Now disembarked upon the sward, 

The twelve with watchful eye on guard, 

Tripped 'round in circle as before, 

And sang as on the golden floor, 

While floods of life-waves seem to pour 

And radiate the very earth ; 

And animation, in new birth, 

Where desert wastes and spots defiled, — 

Exulting in its victory, smiled ; 

And where death-stillness reigned but late 

Began with wakening life pulsate 

The very rocks and caves and air, 

Till life — life — life was everywhere, 

Renewing earth throughout her sphere ! 

Now while they danced upon the green, 
Again the aureole was seen, 
Above their heads, a moment glowing — 
Then rising, fading, going, going, 
Till through the doorway of the plain 
It lay upon the stars again ; — 
They, passing joyous round the ring, 
This song of life were heard to sing : 

Burst forth in sweeter praise, ye fountains, 

Than ever been ! 
Awake to life, ye plains and mountains, 

Be clothed in green ! 



THE LIFE MISSION. 41 

Let blooming Spring with crystal showers, 
And smiles of joy make glad the flowers ; 
And grant on earth some golden hours 
Like heaven serene ! 

The earth has slept, it shall awake, 

And with its clay 
The soul of man, aroused, partake 

Of holier ray ! 
And thus infused be glorified ; — 
Above the chill of death shall ride 
On life's uplifting, throbbing tide 

To endless day ! 

When streams of life so freely rise, 

Can man refuse 
To look through them beyond the skies, 

And make excuse? 
As heaven with countless stars is gemmed, 
So man, by admonitions hemmed 
On every side, must stand condemned, 

If wrong he choose. 

Hope smiles upon the flowing streams — 

That steadfast friend — 
When anguish wrings the heart, its beams 

Will make amend ; 
And faith will fix the heart above 
All earthly toils and storms, and prove 



42 THE LIFE MISSION. 

These richest blessings, born of love, 
Shall never end ! 

The song was wafted far and free, 
All nature joined in harmony, 

And hopeful smiled through joyful tears ; 
O'er death was gained the victory, 
Proclaimed by tongue of prophecy 

Should come through deeply shadowed years. 
The mission done, prepared to rise, 
The twelve stand looking to the skies, 
And upward drawn, the magic car 
Floats free above the earth afar. 
Down swings the door of yon bright plain, 
Upclosing, shuts them in again ! 
But they return, as they have done 
Through many ages that have run ; 
And still the life-streams copious pour, 
To bless the world from that bright shore, 
And shall continue evermore. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




